Creativity Inside

Karim Benzema on target as Real Madrid easily account for Alaves

Karim Benzema scored his sixth goal in four games as Real Madrid beat Alaves 3-0 on Sunday for a fourth successive La Liga victory which took the European champions to within eight points of leaders Barcelona.

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The French striker knocked a cross from Spanish left-back Sergio Reguilon into the net from close range on the half-hour mark, breaking the deadlock against an organized Alaves side who beat Real 1-0 earlier in the season at Mendizorroza.

Santiago Solari’s side looked comfortable without hitting top gear although they did not seal the victory until in-form Brazilian Vinicius Jr. tapped into the net in the 80th minute to score his first goal in La Liga.

Spain international Alvaro Odriozola had a goal ruled out for offside but substitute Mariano Diaz completed the scoring with a diving header.

Real, the only top-three side in La Liga to win this weekend moved on to 42 points, two behind second-placed Atletico Madrid, who lost 1-0 at Real Betis, and eight adrift of Barca who drew 2-2 at home to Valencia.